New Beginnings
Kiara
The July sun warmed the top of Kiara Moore's head as she climbed out of her black Jeep, her leopard-print slides crunching softly against the gravel parking lot.
She looked up.
The three-story brick building stood on the corner of Maple and Fifth, ivy creeping up one side of the weathered red bricks. The first floor was occupied by a tattoo shop, its large storefront windows displaying framed artwork, flashes of colorful tattoos, and hanging plants that softened the black-painted walls.
A wooden sign read:
FINN'S INK
She smiled to herself.
"Well...this is different."
Most apartment buildings sat over coffee shops or boutiques.
Not tattoo studios.
She adjusted the strap of her cream shoulder bag on her shoulder before smoothing the soft fabric of her fitted black maxi dress. The sleek silhouette hugged her curves before flowing effortlessly to her ankles, paired with leopard-print slide sandals that added a playful touch. Delicate gold necklaces rested against her collarbone, layered just enough to catch the afternoon sun, while textured gold bangles circled one wrist and slim gold rings adorned her fingers. Her nude acrylic nails tapped nervously against the leather strap of her bag.
Waist-length box braids cascaded down her back, neat and glossy, swaying gently with every step. Behind clear-framed glasses, her wide brown eyes took everything in with quiet curiosity.
She took a deep breath.
"You can do this."The tiny silver bell above the shop door chimed as she stepped inside.
Immediately, she was greeted by the faint smell of green soap, fresh coffee, and something warm and woodsy.
Rock music played softly from speakers overhead.
The walls were lined with framed tattoo artwork, vintage skateboards, and shelves overflowing with thriving plants.
It didn't feel intimidating.
It felt...
Comfortable.
"Be with you in just a sec," a deep voice called from somewhere in the back.
Kiara nodded instinctively before realizing he couldn't see her.
"No rush!" she answered softly.
She wandered toward the front counter, admiring the sketches displayed beneath the glass.
They were beautiful.
Not just tattoos.
Works of art.
Delicate flowers.
Portraits.
Dragons.
Birds.
Someone had incredible talent.
"You like those?"
The unexpected voice startled her.
"Oh!"
She turned so quickly her tote bag bumped against the counter.
Standing across from her was easily the tallest man she'd seen in a while.
He wore a fitted black T-shirt that hugged broad shoulders, faded dark jeans with streaks of black ink near one knee, and worn black Vans. His tattooed forearms disappeared beneath rolled sleeves, intricate artwork climbing all the way to his wrists.
A silver ring caught the light as he brushed a strand of messy blond hair away from his forehead.
His eyes—
Somewhere between green and blue—
Met hers.
For just a second...
Neither of them spoke.
Patrick Finn had expected another delivery driver.
Not...
Her.
She looked like sunshine.
Warm brown skin.
Big doe eyes behind clear glasses.
Soft curls.
A nervous smile that somehow made the whole room feel brighter.
He realized she'd asked him something.
Or maybe...
No.
She hadn't.
She was just smiling politely.
Get it together.
He cleared his throat.
"You here about the apartment?"
Kiara nodded.
"I am."
Her voice was soft.
Almost musical.
"I'm Kiara."
She offered her hand.
Patrick looked down at it for half a second before carefully taking it in his much larger one.
His grip was warm.
Gentle.
"Patrick."
His voice was quiet.
She smiled.
"It's nice to meet you."
"You too."
Neither of them let go immediately.
Both noticed.
Both quickly pulled away.
Patrick rubbed the back of his neck.
"So..."
He reached beneath the counter and pulled out a clipboard.
"You can fill this out while I grab the keys."
"Oh, thank you."
She accepted it with both hands.
He disappeared toward the office.
The second he was gone, Kiara let out a tiny breath she'd been holding.
"He's...really handsome."
Not in the flashy way.
More...
Quiet.
Comfortable.
Like someone who preferred listening over talking.
The tattoos had surprised her.
She'd never really been around tattoo artists before.
But somehow...
They fit him.
He returned a moment later, jingling a ring of keys.
"You ready?"
She smiled.
"I think so."
He walked toward the staircase leading upstairs.
She followed behind him.
"So..." Patrick said after a moment.
"You moving here from out of town?"
"No."
She smiled to herself.
"Just across town."
"Oh."
"My lease ended."
He nodded.
"Needed something closer to work."
"What do you do?"
"I'm a kindergarten teacher."
Patrick glanced back over his shoulder.
The image fit so perfectly he almost laughed.
"I would've guessed that."
She blinked.
"You would've?"
"You smile a lot."
Heat bloomed across her cheeks.
"I..."
She laughed softly.
"I don't know what to say to that."
"You don't have to."
A comfortable silence settled between them as they reached the second floor.
Patrick unlocked Apartment 2B.
The door swung open.
Golden afternoon sunlight spilled across hardwood floors.
A large bay window overlooked the tree-lined street below.
The apartment wasn't huge.
But it felt...
Homey.
Kiara wandered inside slowly.
"Oh..."
She stepped toward the window.
"This is beautiful."
Patrick didn't answer.
He wasn't looking at the apartment anymore.
He was looking at her.
The way her face lit up.
The way she smiled without realizing it.
The way she spun in a slow circle, already imagining where everything would go.
A reading chair by the window.
Plants on the sill.
Books stacked in every corner.
He could almost picture it.
And somehow...
The apartment already felt warmer.
Kiara turned back toward him, her smile impossibly bright.
"I love it."
Patrick's lips curved into the smallest smile.
"I'm glad."
Because he realized something he hadn't expected.
He really hoped she'd say yes.
Not because he needed another tenant.
But because the thought of hearing that cheerful "Good morning" every day...
Didn't sound so bad at all.
